Comprehend: meaning, definitions and examples

🤔

Add to dictionary

comprehend

[ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

mental process

To understand or grasp the meaning of something. To perceive the significance or importance of something. To have full knowledge or awareness of a situation.

Synonyms

apprehend, grasp, realize, understand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehend	Used when someone fully understands the complexity or depth of a subject. It suggests a deeper, more thorough understanding. She finally began to comprehend the significance of the historical event. It took him years to comprehend the principles of quantum mechanics.
understand	The most general term used for knowledge or perception of a subject. Suitable for everyday use, it implies a basic or satisfactory level of knowledge. I understand the instructions you gave me. Do you understand what I mean?
grasp	Commonly used when talking about understanding basic concepts or principles. It implies a more hands-on or practical understanding. Once she could grasp the basics, the rest of the lesson became easier. He struggled to grasp the new software's interface.
apprehend	Primarily used in a formal or legal context, often related to the capture or arrest of someone. Can also mean to understand in a more intellectual sense, but this use is less common. The police were able to apprehend the suspect shortly after the crime. It took a moment for him to apprehend the full scope of the project.
realize	Used when someone suddenly becomes aware of something. This word often implies a moment of discovery or revelation. He didn't realize the answer was so simple until he looked at the problem again. She realized she had forgotten her keys as soon as she reached the door.

Examples of usage

I couldn't comprehend the complexity of the problem.
She struggled to comprehend the impact of her actions.
It took me a while to comprehend the instructions.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

linguistics

To interpret or understand the meaning of written or spoken language.

Synonyms

decipher, interpret, make sense of, understand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehend	This word is often used in more formal settings or when referring to grasping complex or abstract ideas. 'Can you comprehend the significance of this discovery?' 'It took me a while to comprehend the full impact of the changes '
interpret	This word is used when explaining or providing one's own explanation of something, such as a piece of art, a law, or a behavior. 'Can you interpret this painting for me?' 'The lawyer will interpret the terms of the contract '
understand	A widely used, neutral term appropriate for many contexts where someone grasps the meaning or significance of something. 'Do you understand the question?' 'She found it hard to understand the new concept '
decipher	Use this word when referring to decoding something that is obscure or difficult to understand, such as a code, a puzzle, or unclear writing. 'The archaeologist worked hard to decipher the ancient script ' 'I had to decipher his handwriting '
make sense of	This phrase is commonly used in informal settings, referring to understanding something that is initially confusing. 'I can't make sense of these instructions ' 'He finally made sense of the complicated agenda '

Examples of usage

She tried to comprehend the foreign language text.
He was able to comprehend the message despite the language barrier.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'comprehend' comes from the Latin 'comprehendere', which means 'to seize or grasp'.
It was first used in English in the late 15th century to express the idea of understanding.
The prefix 'com-' means 'together' and 'prehendere' means 'to grasp', which reflects the idea of grasping ideas together.

Psychology

Cognitive psychology defines comprehension as a process where the brain makes sense of various information.
Research indicates that comprehension is influenced by background knowledge; the more you know, the easier it is to understand new information.
Comprehension skills are essential for reading, listening, and communication, impacting everything from learning to social interactions.

Education

Comprehension is a key goal in literacy education, being essential for reading proficiency.
Teachers often use strategies like summarizing and questioning to help students improve their understanding.
There are different levels of comprehension, including literal understanding (what is stated), inferential (what can be deduced), and critical (evaluation and judgment).

Literature

In literature, comprehension goes beyond just understanding words; it involves interpreting themes, emotions, and context.
Classic texts often challenge readers' comprehension, prompting deeper analysis and discussion.
Reading comprehension skills have been crucial in various literary movements, helping readers engage with complex narratives.

Pop Culture

Television shows and movies often portray characters struggling to comprehend situations, underscoring the human experience of confusion.
Popular talk shows often include segments on 'how to comprehend complex topics' in a fun way.
Comprehension is a frequent theme in many songs, expressing emotions of misunderstanding or realization.

Translations

Translations of the word "comprehend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compreender

🇮🇳 समझना

🇩🇪 verstehen

🇮🇩 memahami

🇺🇦 зрозуміти

🇵🇱 rozumieć

🇯🇵 理解する (rikai suru)

🇫🇷 comprendre

🇪🇸 comprender

🇹🇷 anlamak

🇰🇷 이해하다 (ihaehada)

🇸🇦 يدرك (yudrik)

🇨🇿 pochopit

🇸🇰 pochopiť

🇨🇳 理解 (lǐjiě)

🇸🇮 razumeti

🇮🇸 skilja

🇰🇿 түсіну

🇬🇪 გაგება (gageba)

🇦🇿 anlamaq

🇲🇽 comprender

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,648 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
7645 jealousy
7646 condensed
7647 cathedral
7648 comprehend
7649 rigorous
7650 elders
7651 probate
...